How to get there:
Spirit Airlines, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Eagle, Continental and Continental Connection, Delta, US Airways, British Air, France, Bahamas Air, Chalk, Comair.
Airports
Nassau International Airport (NAS)
Current Weather
79°F/26°C
Nassau, Bahamas (at 1:18 PM local time)
Entry Requirements
As of January 23, 2007: Passports are required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean (including the Bahamas). Click here to learn about our Passports Included offer!
Upon your arrival to The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an
Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep part of until your
departure.
All visitors are required to be in possession of a return ticket.
U.S. visitors staying for eight months or less need a return ticket plus a passport
(passports expired up to five years may also be used) or a certified birth
certificate with official photo identification.
Naturalized citizens require naturalization papers (photo identification is not required).
Alien residents in possession of a U.S. Alien Registration Card may enter The Islands
Of The Bahamas without a visa for visits not exceeding thirty days. Presentation
of a current national passport, or one that has been expired for five years or
less facilitates processing.
Permanent residents (green card holders) require their green card and a valid passport from their place of birth.
Canadian visitors staying less than three weeks need the same identification as those from the U.S. and do not require a visa.
Landed immigrants in possession of the Canadian Immigration Record Form 1000 should follow the same requirements as Alien residents.
All others need a valid passport.
British subjects from the United Kingdom and colonies may enter The Islands Of The
Bahamas as visitors without passports or visas for periods not exceeding three
weeks. For longer stays they must present a passport.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short
notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy
or consulate
Departure Tax
$15.00 at Nassau International Airport. Most airlines include the departure tax in the ticket price.
Medical Help
There are two modern hospitals in the city of Nassau. Both are fully equipped to
respond to any medical situation, including emergencies. Princess Margaret, with
436 beds, is the larger of the two. Doctor's Hospital has 72 beds.
What To Bring
Clothing
Casual, comfortable clothing. Sandals or sneakers for beach days or hikes and smart casual shoes for restaurants requiring more formal attire.
Miscellaneous
When you enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked for a verbal baggage
declaration. However, your luggage is also subject to customs inspections. If
you are carrying dutiable items, you will need to fill out a Baggage Declaration
Form.
Custom Duty
Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but baggage is subject
to Customs inspection. In case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be
required to complete a Baggage Declaration Form. Each adult is allowed 50 cigars
or cigarettes or one pound of tobacco and one quart of spirits free of Customs
Duty, in addition to personal effects. In addition, purchases up to a value of
one hundred dollars ($100.00) are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Household effects, such as small appliances (such as blender etc.) are dutiable at 45% of
the cost. Linen and china are duty free for each arriving visit. Computers such
as laptops are considered a part of your personal effects and therefore are
duty-free.
Financial Matters
Currency
The Bahamian dollar and the US dollar. Major credit cards and travelers checks accepted.
Bank Hours
Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Business Hours
9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Utilities
Voltage
120 volt 60 cycle. (American appliances are compatible)
Transportation
Buses
You will find that most major islands have bus service (also called jitneys) that
runs daily until about 8 p.m. Fares for one-way destinations are 75 for adults
and 50 for children. When boarding a bus, please have exact change.
Taxis
You
can call a cab or flag one down on the street. Cabstands are also conveniently
placed at most large hotels. Taxi service is available by telephone/hail in
street or at taxi stands. Although metered rates vary by island, they are
reasonable and are fixed by law. Surcharges often apply for more than two
persons and extra luggage. Suggested tip: 15% of fare.
Tours
You'll find guided tours on almost all of The Islands Of The Bahamas. And you'll be
able to select one that suits your interests exactly, ranging from shopping
sprees to ecological adventures among the birds and island wildlife.
